Anita’s passion for travel has shaped her career for over 40 years. After graduating from the Grant MacEwan Travel course in 1979, she worked as a consultant before transitioning to roles like Sales Manager for Northwest Airlines and Corporate Sales Manager for the Coast Hotel chain. However, her love for consulting remained, and she returned to it with a wealth of experience.

Anita treats every trip she plans as if it were her own, tailoring each itinerary to her client’s preferences and ensuring the best value for their time and money. She takes the time to understand her clients’ interests, lifestyles, and hobbies, creating unique and personalized travel experiences that exceed expectations.

Have you ever dreamt of exploring Japan’s ancient temples, bustling markets, and breathtaking landscapes? Travel consultant Anita just returned from a dream trip to Japan, where she experienced the country’s unique blend of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty. In this Q&A, she shares the highlights of her adventure, tips for first-time visitors, and insights into Japan’s culture that made her fall in love with this captivating destination. Read on for a firsthand account of Japan through the eyes of an experienced travel professional.

Q&A with Anita Stefanyk-Malo

Q: What inspired you to visit Japan, and how did you plan your itinerary?

A: It has been a dream of mine to visit Japan ever since I was a child. It is a world away and the shows I watched, pictures I saw and books I read about Japan were all an influence. Shogun, Last Samurai, Memoirs of a Geisha… I just knew I had to go at some point in my life. The plan at this point was to stick with our favorite mode of exploring, which is a small ship luxury cruise. We love to unpack once, explore every day and be able to come back to a wonderful gourmet dinner on board. Having a husband who is not a very adventurous eater, this turned out to be a good choice (although you can’t go wrong with ramen anywhere!). We found an itinerary that allowed us to see the highlights and get a very accurate taste of the country in all aspects. We did an autumn sailing to avoid larger crowds during the blossom season and the heat of the summer. The perfect time!

Q: Which cities or regions did you explore, and how did they differ from each other?

A: We visited a few of the 47 prefectures (provinces) while visiting, all offering something special. Some were affected by the nuclear explosions during the war, some were all about the history of the Shogun and the reign they had for 200 years (we saw where the papers were signed when the Shogun turned back the ruling to the Emperor opening it up to the Western World), where Japan was cut off from everywhere for 200 years. They all had something in common with the ancient rule, but they were also all unique. The pottery, paper, sake, temples, gardens, and so much more.

We visited Shimizu (where on a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji), Kyoto (Kobe), Kochi, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Nagoya Tokyo and Busan, South Korea.

Q: Were there any unique cultural experiences or traditions you got to witness?

A: Traditional Tea Ceremony; Kodo drum show and the best Shichi-Go-San which is the right of passage for children 3/5/7-year-olds. Their right of passage is celebrated usually on November 15th, but they had it early this year, so we got lucky and were able to see this! The little girls were all dressed in kimonos and little boys were in suits and being blessed at the temple.

Q: Did you have any memorable interactions with locals?

A: I would love to say that something really stood out, but everyone was pleasant. As silly as this sounds, one of the standout moments was trying to get away from the crowds at the Tsukiji Outer Market. It was so much fun, but elbow to elbow with people eating some things that were not identifiable …lol. I learned it was better not to ask! The 3-sake sampling for $10.00 drew us in. We had the best visit with a local here. We got to have a great discussion about daily life with someone who spoke good English.

Q: How was the food? Did you try any dishes that stood out?

A: Full disclosure….I am just not a sushi fan. I KNOW, I KNOW. But I do know ramen and wagyu and it was the best!

Q: Is there a food experience in Japan that you would recommend to others?

A: Ordering ramen through a machine, taking the ticket to the chef, sitting at a counter, slurping away and leaving because someone is patiently waiting for your chair!

Q: What were your top three must-visit attractions in Japan?

A: Again….such a difficult question as there are just so many things to see. Really difficult for anyone to capture them all on one visit. I would say for sure (and hope for a clear day usually in the fall) Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, Chiran where the Toko (Kamikaze pilots trained); Kyoto, Golden Pavilion and Odaiba (Tokyo entertainment area).

Q: Did you visit any historic temples, shrines, or cultural sites? Which were your favorites?

A: Really too many to count… Lots of gardens and temples. I had no favorites. All the gardens and temples were truly moving.

Q: Did you come across any unique items or souvenirs that you’d recommend others pick up?

A: I really want to purchase a famous porcelain piece from Arita, but sadly did not make it here. I did get a beautiful crane handcrafted from copper. The crane is depicted in art, literature, and mythology as a symbol of good luck and longevity because it is said to live 1,000 years.

Q: Are there specific markets or shopping districts you’d recommend exploring?

A: Again, so many. Most of the cities that were visited were actually very quiet during the day. Shopping extraordinaire is in Tokyo. Just depends on what you are looking for. Highend, electronics, food experience etc… Ginza was fun to explore and melt your credit card down; Tsukiji Market for some crazy food experiences; Shinjuku has everything for everyone and is a great area to stay in Tokyo.

Q: How was your experience with Japan’s public transportation system?

A: I did not personally use public transportation but I will tell you that it is VERY efficient. The busiest station in the world is in Shinjuku with just over 3.5 million people per day – without an issue. So impressive. There may be up to 20 exits/entries into the underground station and you will get lost, but not for long. Easily displayed with names, color codes etc… I spoke to some fellow travelers who were a little more adventurous and said it was very easy to navigate.

Q: What types of accommodations did you stay in?

A: I cruised on Regent Seven Seas in complete luxury onboard. We used their pre and post-hotels in Tokyo and again, these were amazing. The last 3 nights at the Hilton Shinjuku and the room, service and daily breakfast were all 5 stars. Don’t even get me started on the toilets. Every place had the lovely Japanese toilets but the ones at this hotel – well let’s just say it is now an item on my Xmas list!

Q: Any recommendations on where to stay for specific experiences or views?

A: Tokyo, Osaka; Kyoto and perhaps Hakone with an Onsen.

Q: What tips would you offer for first-time travellers to Japan?

A: Be prepared and above all – learn about the culture before you go. Theirs is a culture of RESPECT. You don’t eat on the street. You take your garbage home with you. You turn your phones to silent on the metro and speak in quiet tones. You take your backpack off and put it on your front when you get on public transport, so you don’t bump into someone walking by. They don’t expect tips in most cases but you absolutely should tip your guides and drivers.

Q: What was your absolute favourite moment of the trip?

A: It wasn’t one moment like some adventures, but more a culmination of the trip and how the common denominator was the graciousness of the people we met. We left every port of call to singing and cheering and love, just to reach another with the warmest of welcomes.

Q: Would you visit Japan again, and if so, what would you want to see or do next time?

A: Absolutely!!!! I would spend more time in a few of the places like Kyoto. Being on a cruise like Regent Seven Seas afforded us the luxury of getting the best taste of all these areas but now I want to go back and explore even more. At the end of the day, we would have cocktails with some fellow travelers and talk about the day. Sometimes we did the same tours and other times, we did different things. That is when you learn about all the options and that is also when you know you have to go back!

Regent Seven Seas Japan Sailings

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a luxury cruise line known for its all-inclusive, intimate experiences and high level of personalized service. For travelers interested in exploring Japan, Regent offers immersive sailings that provide a unique, in-depth look at the country’s rich culture, historic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes.

Regent’s Japan-focused itineraries often include stops in multiple Japanese cities, allowing travelers to see diverse aspects of the country. Some itineraries also include nearby destinations in Asia, such as South Korea and Taiwan, providing an expanded experience of the region.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the ultimate in luxury cruising with all-inclusive amenities like unlimited shore excursions, fine dining, premium beverages, and gratuities. Their intimate ships, hosting fewer than 750 guests, ensure personalized service and world-class comfort.

For travelers seeking a comfortable, immersive way to explore Japan and other parts of Asia, Regent Seven Seas offers an appealing combination of luxury, cultural enrichment, and convenience.

Ready to experience the magic of Japan for yourself? Whether you’re dreaming of exploring serene temples, savoring authentic ramen, or witnessing unforgettable cultural traditions, Anita can help you plan the perfect trip. With her firsthand experience and travel expertise, Anita will craft an itinerary tailored to your interests. Reach out to her today to start planning your own incredible journey to Japan!

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